Colorado expands skilled trade, health care training access

DENVER — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and the philanthropy Arnold Ventures have announced a multimillion-dollar investment to help residents enroll in and complete education programs that prepare them for skilled trade and health care jobs.

The effort is part of the Colorado Partnership for Proven Initiatives, a multiyear $20 million philanthropic collaboration designed to expand economic opportunities across the state.

Under the plan, 250 participants will enroll in programs at CrossPurpose campuses in Denver, Englewood and Arvada. Training options will include HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, licensed practical nursing, registered nursing, radiologic technology and surgical technology. CrossPurpose is a Denver-based nonprofit that focuses on reducing poverty through career and community development.

Polis said the investment expands Colorado’s ability to connect residents with the skills needed to secure stable employment.

“Colorado is a national model for connecting Coloradans to the skills needed to get good-paying jobs that allow their families to thrive,” Polis said. “By combining state and philanthropic resources, we are expanding proven programs that give people the support they need to complete their education, launch their careers and build a better life. This investment strengthens our workforce and ensures opportunity is within reach for everyone who calls Colorado home.”

The initiative includes a $4.5 million investment, with a grant from Arnold Ventures matched by the state. Colorado will work with CrossPurpose to launch Ascent, a program modeled after Project QUEST, an evidence-based initiative that offers long-term coaching, education planning, financial aid assistance and wraparound services to support participants as they pursue in-demand careers.

CrossPurpose will partner with local employers to identify workforce needs and collaborate with community colleges and training providers to design credential programs that teach those skills. Participants will enroll full-time and may receive financial assistance covering up to 100% of tuition and fees, as well as books, transportation, uniforms, licensing exams and other expenses. Counselors will help students build time management and study skills, and the organization will offer job placement assistance once training is complete.

“Project QUEST, the model for Ascent, has a proven track record of developing a skilled workforce and placing candidates in good-paying jobs,” said Laura Arnold, co-founder and co-chair of Arnold Ventures. “We appreciate Governor Polis‘ partnership in maximizing opportunities for Coloradans through evidence-based approaches.”

The Ascent program will undergo evaluations in 2026 and 2027 to measure success in enrollment, completion and job placement.

Jason Janz, chief executive officer of CrossPurpose, said the program will help residents who might otherwise be unable to complete training.

“We look forward to enrolling hundreds of Coloradans in the new Ascent program who would be unable to enroll in or complete these programs without the additional support,” Janz said. “Our Leaders Program has already reached more than 3,000 people across the state, and we look forward to further accelerating Colorado’s ability to eliminate poverty through good jobs.”

The State of Colorado and Arnold Ventures are partnering with the nonprofit, nonpartisan Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy to carry out the initiative.

“The QUEST model that CrossPurpose brings to Colorado is one of the few workforce development programs for low-income adults that has been shown to produce lasting earnings gains of 15% to 20% per year more than a decade later,” said Jon Baron, president of the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy. “Governor Polis and Arnold Ventures are showing how governments can use evidence about what works to make real progress on economic mobility.”